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Presidents to honor 'All-Stars Among Us'

Presidents to honor 'All-Stars Among Us'

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By Tom Singer
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MLB.com |

All five living U.S. Presidents will appear in a video salute to the volunteers who comprise the "All-Stars Among Us" in an unprecedented collaboration prior to next Tuesday's All-Star Game in St. Louis.

President Barack Obama, who later will throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 80th Midsummer Classic, will be joined in the seven-minute video by Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.

The occasion will mark the first time all of the living presidents participate in any sporting-event ceremony.

The video messages will be part of the pregame salute of the 30 men and women -- each representing one of the MLB franchises -- chosen by MLB and People magazine for their community service.

"The importance of community service is personified by the 30 'All-Stars Among Us' and reinforced by the willingness of the five living Presidents to come together in support of this important theme during the Midsummer Classic," said Commissioner Bud Selig.

After making general comments about the vitality of positively influencing communities, each President will specifically detail the contributions of one of the "All-Stars Among Us" being recognized on the Busch Stadium field.

The lineup of salutes will be as follows.

 President Obama highlights Richard Nares (San Diego, representing the Padres), whose Emilio Nares Foundation, which he began after his young son died of cancer, features a program called "Ride With Emilio," which takes sick children who lack access to transportation to their cancer treatments and medical appointments.

 Former President George W. Bush comments on Rob Dixon (Brockton, Mass. -- Red Sox), who founded Project RISE, a non-profit organization that transforms at-risk youth into serious students.

 Former President Bill Clinton highlights Christine Shively (Newport Beach, Calif. -- Angels), who crochets and knits cancer caps and sends them to 140 cancer centers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico through her organization, Knots of Love.

 Former President George H.W. Bush honors Gary Lynn (Houston, representing the Astros), a 17-year-old with cerebral palsy who started his own foundation and has raised more than $12,000 for cerebral palsy research.

 Former President Jimmy Carter talks about Ryan Housley (Tyrone, Ga. -- Braves), who started HeroBox, a non-profit that supplies specialized packages for soldiers based on their individual needs.

"In addition to celebrating baseball's best on the field," Selig said, "Major League Baseball wants to shine a light on stars in the community whose work improves the lives of those who are less fortunate."

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.